STRAND AND DELIVER
AS the much-loved Strand approaches the 20th anniversary of its rebirth, there is an expectation it could be on the cusp of a new era.
The Strand, has been declared a “construction hotspot” with a host of projects under way, set to begin or waiting in the wings.
Property industry figures say while it’s no surprise The Strand is a focus for development, it is encouraging to see that the pace is picking up.
Acting Mayor Les Walker described The Strand as the “gift that keeps on giving”.
TOWNSVILLE’S popular seafront strip, The Strand, has been declared a “construction hotspot” with a host of projects under way, set to begin or waiting in the wings.
Property industry figures say while it’s no surprise The Strand should be a focus for development, it is encouraging to see the pace pick up.
“I really do hope that most of these developments come through,” Colliers International managing director Peter Wheeler said yesterday.
“As far as the position of the Townsville economy, I think we are at the right stage for some of these projects to come out of the ground.”
Economist Colin Dwyer of DS Economics has listed seven projects ranging from Gleeson Properties’ Hive development, to Maidment Group’s Marina Residences, and a Seaview Hotel makeover.
The council this week announced Jackson Semler as preferred contractor for the redevelopment of the Tobruk Memorial Baths, where work is expected to start next month.
Acting Mayor Les Walker said The Strand was redeveloped after a natural disaster 20 years ago and was the “gift that keeps on giving”.
“There’s more confidence and investment, which means jobs,” Cr Walker said. “The Strand is the jewel in the crown that has made our lifestyle one of the most envied in the country.”
The Maidment Group plans to start siteworks on its $50 million Marina Residences in Mariners Drive in the next two months, providing services including a new boardwalk fronting the marina, a lineal park and a central laneway for the marina homes. The construction of marina homes and apartments is anticipated to start late this year.
Maidment Group managing director Glen Maidment said The Strand was the ultimate lifestyle address in Townsville.
“It is right on the ocean and only a few hundred metres from most services and the CBD,” Mr Maidment said.
“I think a large portion of Townsville aspires to have that type of location.”
Announcements on the $52.5 million Townsville Marine Tourism Precinct, a joint venture between Sealink and Honeycombes Property Group, are expected shortly.
Stretching from The Strand to where the current terminal is on Leslie Thiess Drive, the project includes a 76-room four-star hotel, food precinct and new ferry terminal.
The Hive project comprises a Queens Hotel precinct including a hotel and serviced apartments, a King St North precinct involving
The Strand is the jewel in the crown that has made our lifestyle one of the most envied in the country
Les Walker
apartment and retirement living, a King St South precinct with offices for science and research, education, digital and creative and medical uses and a cultural precinct comprising concert hall, cinemas, leisure and retail.
Gleeson Group managing director Therese Smith hoped to share “some good news” soon.
“It’s moving along. We are happy with how things are going. We are hopeful to make some announcements in the next few months on a stage for the project,” Ms Smith said.
Other projects include Lachlan Bell Consulting’s 70 The Strand, a two-level eatery and bar and six-level unit complex, which is being assessed by the council.
Mr Dwyer said The Strand was a
“construction hotspot” because of liveability and proximity to developments like the North Queensland Stadium.
“The influence of the new stadium on these projects and this zone, while small, can’t be totally discounted.
“The new stadium will be within walking distance,” Mr Dwyer said.
He said it was significant much of the investment was from the private sector.